Q&A: Eusebio Bancessi

It is all about moving forward and seeing what I can achieve this season."

Eusebio Bancessi

It may have been brief, but Eusebio Bancessi was delighted to have made his Wolves senior debut in Monday’s friendly victory at Shamrock Rovers.

The 18-year-old from Guinea-Bissau is an exciting talent, and one who has settled into life in England since arriving from Benfica last summer.

Bancessi enjoyed a fine season at Under-21 level last season, scoring plenty of goals, and propelled himself to the fringes of the senior set-up.

Included in this week’s tour of Ireland, he was handed the opportunity to try and impress Kenny Jackett, and came off the bench for five minutes of the first half during Monday’s 4-1 win.

The Head Coach has explained that while Bancessi travelled with the squad to be available incase of injury, it was also always going to be good experience in terms of his potential future.

Having not been able to speak English when he arrived 12 months ago, Bancessi’s grasp of the language is now improving.

We caught him with him at the team hotel this week and, with a little help from Google translate, found out more!

*So Eusebio, how do you feel pre-season is going so far?

*It’s going well. I’m feeling good and especially during my time with the first team because my goal is to be part of this group.

*Was it a surprise to be included on the pre-season tour?

*I did not expect it but I’m always working towards this. I always want to be part of this group and continue to gain more experience.

*And you made your debut, albeit a brief one?

*Yes it was short but I’m not sad about that and the coach has been speaking to me about how I am doing. It was good to come on and hopefully I will get my turn again. It is all about preparing and waiting for that sort of day and I have to carry on working to make sure it comes soon.

*How do you sum up your first year at Wolves? You scored a lot of goals for the Under-21s?

*Yes I was happy about my first year but now I have to continue to give the maximum to do more. Last year has gone now. I was pleased with it but I’ve already forgotten it because it is all about moving forward and seeing what I can achieve this season.

*Is it difficult for you being away from home?

*Yes it can be hard sometimes being away from home but I have to be strong to face what is ahead and I am. One day I want to play in the Premier League and that is the most important thing, not what is behind. And anyway, I feel at home in England as well.

*How do you get on with the rest of the squad? Do the first team players give you help and advice?

*Yes they do and I enjoy being here. George Elokobi has probably been the biggest help for me. He talks to me a lot – he is like my Dad here!

*What do you think of the team spirit around the club?

*It is good. All the players are fighting for the same goal. It is my first real experience with the first team and I think that will also help me become more mature as a person.

*The famous question – is it true that you were named after Portuguese legend Eusebio?

*Ha ha! Sort of. My Dad liked Eusebio that’s for sure. I’d obviously never seen Eusebio play but I know my Dad really liked him so that is why! The players I enjoy watching the most now are Messi and Ronaldo.

*And the English? How is it doing?

*It is getting better and I can understand the coaches and my team-mates. I will be carrying on having lessons from September.

*Finally, what would be your ambitions for this season and beyond?

*My goal is always to give my best for the team. And for the future, to try and work as hard as I can to reach the highest level possible in football.